Australian professionals overuse ‘creative’: LinkedIn

A study by online networking platform LinkedIn shows most Australian professionals describe themselves as ‘creative’, which catapults the word to the rank of most overused on the site.

According to the 2011 study of LinkedIn’s 2 million Australian members, the top five terms overused by local professionals are: creative, extensive experience, effective, track record and motivated.

“Overused words and phrases like ‘creative’, ‘extensive experience’ and ‘effective’ don’t necessarily reflect your unique professional accomplishments and experiences and do nothing to help you stand out among your fellow professionals,” remarked Sally-Anne Blanshard, career coach and director of Nourish Coaching.

LinkedIn also found that ‘creative’ was the top buzzword for other countries including Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA.

“In the lead-up to the New Year, you should take the time to makeover your profile with words and language that give concrete examples of your professional achievements, attributes and capabilities that are specific to you,” Blanshard suggested.

In addition to its annual list of overused buzzwords, the network has offered profile makeover tips to act on over the holidays.

Showcase your skills by adding relevant LinkedIn skills to your profile so that you appear in search results when other professionals need someone with your skills for a project, a position or for advice.

Come highly recommended by requesting LinkedIn recommendations from past managers and clients and be sure to hint at why you’re asking for the recommendation as well as what the recommender can comment on.

Accentuate your profile by making sure it is complete and up to date with all the roles you have had. You are 12 times more likely to be viewed for possible opportunities with more than one position listed on your profile. And don’t forget a profile picture—people never forget a face.

I don’t think that professional are to blame for the overuse of the word “creative” or “creativity”. It all got started with employers. They used those words in job advertisements when giving the requirements. Besides, to create means to produce something where nothing of the kind existed before. A good example is the acts of creation in the Book of Genesis. I don’t really think employers expect to have Gods, Shakespeares or Miltons on their team 🙂

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